Reserve your seat in the Circle now
Seats for the Friday December 18 circle are limited so register now and no later than December 16th! (Maximum of 200 participants)
Reservations will not be accepted automatically / instantly because we need to manage total # of participants; the first 200 community members who register will be accepted.
Others will be prompted to join the January Circle. Thank you for understanding!
Reservations will not be accepted automatically / instantly because we need to manage total # of participants. Please register early – we will make every effort to find seats for those who wish to partake.
About our host, Connie Rhodes: Peace Promoter, Community Healer, Consultant and AEDP Enthusiast.
Connie Rhodes, BA, affectionately known as the Peace Promoter, is a graduate of the University of Chicago with a concentration in Behavioral Sciences and Psychology. While at the University of Chicago, she had the honor to complete advanced studies with experiential psychotherapy pioneer Dr. Eugene Gendlin. During her time with him she developed her client centered therapy approach and learned the art of focusing and imagery.
Connie is the founder and executive director of Restoration Incorporated, a premier faith-based human service agency. She is also the lead consultant for Culturally Competent Consulting, helping organizations with their diversity, equity and inclusion needs. Connie was a pioneer staff of Next Step, an innovative and effective hospital-based violence prevention program that serves youth ages 10 to 28 who are victims of a violent penetrating injury.
Connie has attended and been part of countless trainings spanning over 25 years. Her vast experience in the social service arena includes her humble college days of helping at risk youth, her 16 years at BUILD Inc. where she worked in some of Chicago’s toughest neighborhoods, and her work in Minneapolis helping young victims of gun violence.
In 2019, she attended training by Jerry Lamagna, MSW, LCSW in Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) for the treatment of complex trauma. Earlier this year she collaborated with Mary Androff, MD to train her staff in using elements of AEDP for community healing. Connie uses the AEDP modality to help bring healing and decrease aloneness for marginalized communities, such as in her role as a certified Circle Keeper. Her specialities include trauma informed care, youth violence prevention and cultural competency. Connie has received awards from the Cook County Probation Department for her work with young women, the City of Minneapolis Local Public Health Hero Award with the Next Step team, and the 2017 Amy Aim Humanitarian Award from ILCC for her work impacting youth in our community. She is an advocate for restoring peace and hope in our communities via her strong faith in God.
The AEDP Institute has recently partnered with Ms. Rhodes and Culturally Competent Consultant to support the Institute’s commitment to antiracism and further our initiatives in diversity, equity and inclusion.